Bat Flips and Maple Dips - A Toronto Blue Jays Podcast

Justin and Patrick return after the Toronto Blue Jays split the weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles.

The Jays had a great comeback in game 2 and then immediately returned the favour in game 3 after Jeff Hoffman couldn't protect a 4-run lead in the 9th.

The guys recapthe series, talk June goals for the Jays, play a game about old stadiums, and then preview the upcoming test that will be the Atlanta Braves.

The Toronto Blue Jays completed a series win over the Miami Marlins thanks to strong pitching and big performances from Nathan Lukes and Kazuma Okamoto.

Justin and Patrick dive into the series and then preview the upcoming 4-game set with the Orioles. The guys discuss the current Jays rotation issues and how they are going to get through the next few weeks.

To lead off the show Patrick quizzes Justin on MLB's all-time strikeout leaders.

Dylan Cease has hit the IL for the first time in his career. As the news hit during the recording session, Justin and Patrick discuss the ramifications.

Vladdy took a pitch to the elbow and is out of the lineup today, but it isn't a serious concern. He should be back in soon.

The guys preview the pitching matchups with the Marlins, and play a fun trivia game to open the show.

Ahead of a weekend hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates, Justin and Patrick recap the series split with the New York Yankees that capped off a 4-3 road trip for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The guys discuss the brilliant pitching performances of Trey Yesavage, Spencer Miles, Adam Macko and the majority of the bullpen.

The guys preview the pitching matchups that feature Gausman and Cease for the Jays on Friday and Sunday, and Paul Skenes for the Pirates on Saturday.

Fresh off of a series win in Detroit against the Tigers, the Toronto Blue Jays are heading the Bronx for a four game set with the New York Yankees.

The Yankees have power and to win the series the Jays pitchers will need to limit the long ball as much as possible.

Justin and Patrick break down the pitching matchups and pick their x-factors for the series.

The guys begin the episode by discussing Yohendrick Pinango, George Springer, Tyler Heineman, and Brandon Valenzuela.

After Daulton Varsho delivered a walk-off grand slam Justin and Patrick return to discuss if this could be the turning point in what has been a frustating offensive stretch for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The schedule gets tough with a road trip through Detroit and the Bronx, and the Jays are projected to see some tough starting pitching over the next two weeks.

Can they climb out of the muck in the American League?

Justin and Patrick return following a Blue Jays series win against the Angels.

The main point of focus, however, is Eric Lauer. He continues to struggle with no end in sight. The guys discuss what the Jays should do with him and a few players in Buffalo who could likely provide more.

Kazuma Okamoto hit 4 home runs, the Toronto Blue Jays scored 8 runs in one inning...and they split the set with the Minnesota Twins.

The Jays struggled with runners in scoring position again, and Tyler Heineman was removed as a "manager's decision" in the series finale.

Justin and Patrick recap the series and preview the upcoming test against the Tampa Bay Rays under the rebuilt roof at the Trop.

The Toronto Blue Jays have won 3 series in a row.

Trey Yesavage returned and helped deliver and win in game 2, and the bats got to Brayan Bello and the Boston bullpen for an 8-1 win in game 3.

Justin and Patrick discuss the hot and cold hitters on the team, and preview a big 4-game set in the Twin Cities.

The Toronto Blue Jays have won two series in a row.

Powered by Kazuma Okamoto in game 2, and Jesus Sanchez in game 3 the Blue Jays won two of three against the Cleveland Guardians.

Vladdy and Ernie continue to hit, and Louis Varland has nailed down 3 saves in the past two series.

The Jays now welcome the division rival Boston Red Sox to town for the first divisional action of 2026. They will need to start hitting more home runs so that the pressure to string 3 or 4 hits together lessens.

Coming off of a series win against Mike Trout's Angels, Justin and Patrick discuss where the Toronto Blue Jays currently find themselves. They aren't hitting enough home runs, and the bats still need to find consistency.

The guys preview the weekend series against Cleveland, and then spend the last part of the episode discussing Eric Lauer's recent comments to the media and his performance on the field.

Are the bats finally waking up for the Toronto Blue Jays?

Justin and Patrick break down a big win in the series finale against Arizona that snapped a 4-game slide for the Jays.

Nathan Lukes had a big weekend. Kazuma Okamota hit for power, and Vladdy continues to collect hits.

On the flip side, Jeff Hoffman had another meltdown. What should the Jays do with him?

The guys preview the upcoming series against Mike Trout and the LA Angels before wrapping up with a discussion about what the team needs to...

Welp. Things got worse.

After a comeback win in game 1 of the series against Milwaukee, the Toronto Blue Jays dropped back-to-back 2-1 losses to fall to 7-11 on the year.

Justin and Patrick break down what has gone wrong (no dingers) so far in 2026, and look ahead to a crucial weekend series in the Arizona desert versus the D-Backs.

The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling to begin 2026. As if the injuries running rampant through the clubhouse weren't enough, you can add more starting pitching and a scuffling offence to the mix.

Justin and Patrick analyze the Lenyn Sosa trade, discuss the lineup construction, provide injury updates and preview the Milwaukee Brewers series.

It was a nightmare weekend for the Toronto Blue Jays in Chicago's South Side as the White Sox swept the Jays.

Alejandro Kirk has a fractured thumb, Addison Barger hurt both of his ankles, Tyler Heineman had two throwing errors, and Brendon Little has been banished to Buffalo.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming to town for a World Series rematch, so things won't be getting any easier.

Good teams find ways to win. Hopefully the Jays are one of those teams!

The good news: The Toronto Blue Jays went 4-2 over the season opening homestand.

The bad news: Cody Ponce may be out for the season and Brendon Little is struggling.

Justin and Patrick discuss the series loss to the Colorado Rockies and have a conversation about what the Jays should do with Brendon Little amidst his struggles.

The guys preview the upcoming Easter weekend series against the White Sox and provide injury updates on Yesavage, Bieber, Garcia and Berrios.

Have a great Easter long weekend!

What a start to 2026!

Justin and Patrick break down an opening series SWEEP of the Athletics that saw Blue Jays pitchers strikeout an MLB record 50 batters over the weekend.

Kazuma Okamoto and Jesus Sanchez collected their first HR as Jays, Mr. March Andres Gimenez had a big Opening Night, Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement came up clutch, and Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease and Eric Lauer shut down the A's offence.

Do we need to talk about Jeff Hoffman? Will Brendon Little sort things out? How cool is Tyler Rogers?

The Jays...

Toronto Blue Jays baseball returns on Friday!

Justin and Patrick kick off the year by previewing the roster, discussing the news of John Schneider and Ross Atkins being extended, and offer up SPICY predictions.

Who leads the pitching staff in strikeouts?

How many home runs will Kazuma Okamoto hit?

Who is the most likely to be DFA or traded?

Buck Martinez will be the first player inducted into the new Blue Jays Hall of Excellence later this summer!

Justin and Patrick return to discuss the announcement, who they would induct next, and provide updates on the injuries that continue to impact the starting rotation.

To celebrate the 400th episode of Bat Flips and Maple Dips, Justin and Patrick are joined by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com from Spring Training.

The guys talk with Keegan about the big storylines in camp, who has stood out, and what the current injury situations mean for the organization's depth.

Justin and Patrick wrap up with a game of Real or Not Real and some mail!

Thanks to all who have listened to any of the first 400 episodes!

Justin and Patrick return to discuss ice cream, World Baseball Classic, and Blue Jays spring training performances that have us intrigued.

Eloy Jimenez continues to hit, Charles McAdoo and Josh Kasevich are poised for big years, and Daulton Varsho is slugging.

Canada kicks off the WBC against Columbia today! Vladdy and the Dominican Republic are off to a good start, the United States thumped Brazil, and Japan is hitting home runs all over the place.

With Max Scherzer back in the fold for another run with the Toronto Blue Jays, Justin and Patrick discuss what the implications of the signing are for the rest of the arms vying for innings in the rotation.

What will Trey Yesavage's workload be?

How will Eric Lauer be deployed?

What happens when Shane Bieber is ready to go?

The guys also review how the first week of Grapefruit League action has gone and highlight a few of the players competing in camp.

Justin and Patrick return for the first episode since Grapefruit League action began.

The guys discuss the passing of Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski and his home run in the 1960 World Series.

Justin provides updates on Shane Bieber and Yimi Garcia before the guys highlight four players they are keyed in on this spring as the Blue Jays ramp up.

Spring Training has officially begun!

Justin and Patrick return to discuss news from the first few days of camp.

The Blue Jays and Astros swapped Joey Loperfido for Jesus Sanchez, Kazuma Okamoto is "very manly", Bowden Francis had surgery, and Shane Bieber will start the season on the IL.

What are the iternal competitions to watch?

After 44 years in the Blue Jays organization as a player, manager, and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has announced his retirement.

Justin and Patrick discuss his legendary career, how much he means to Blue Jays fans, and how he needs to immediately be put up on the Level of Excellence.

The guys go over Canada's World Baseball Classic roster and discuss the potential for a 2nd place finish in Pool A.

Justin and Patrick return to discuss the latest news in the baseball world.

This week the guys discuss the World Baseball Classic where issues with contract insurance are causing many of the game's top players to withdraw from the tournament. Puerto Rico's baseball president has even publicly stated that his country may pull out of the tournament all together.

The guys also discuss curling with the Scotties wrapping up today, and what the Jays could do with the outfield beyond 2027.

Who are some Toronto Blue Jays prospects who could make a big impact on the roster in 2026?

Justin and Patrick are back and ready to tell you.

The guys look at a few position players and pitchers who are poised to make the leap to MLB playing time this season, and what their roles could be.

The guys also talk curling with the Scotties Tournament of Hearts underway.

After a depressing few days of free agent signings that didn't involve the Toronto Blue Jays, Justin and Patrick return to discuss the fallout.

Kyle Tucker went to the (pretends to be shocked) Los Angeles Dodgers on a 4-year deal while Bo Bichette went to the New York Mets on a 3-year deal where he will play third base(?!). Both deals feature opt-outs.

The guys briefly discuss whether the Tucker deal will send MLB closer to a lockout next winter, and what other teams can do to compete with the Dodgers.

To wrap...

Alex Bregman has signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Justin and Patrick break down the deal and what it means for the Blue Jays now that Bregman is no longer in Boston OR the AL East.

The guys get into the Kyle Tucker rumour mill where the New York Mets have allegedly offered him a 3-year deal for around $50 million per season. Will Tucker take a short-term deal or does he want the security of a long-term contract.

Bo Bichette met with the Phillies. Have the Blue Jays already moved on or are they...

The Toronto Blue Jays made a big and surprising move by signing 3B/1B Kozuma Okamoto to a 4-year $60 million contract.

Justin and Patrick break down the deal and what it means for the roster, and whether or not this will stop the Jays from signing Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.

To start the episode, the guys look at the Hall of Fame Ballot Tracker.

Wrapping up our grading series, Justin and Patrick are back to discuss the 2025 bullpen.

Will the guys disagree on Jeff Hoffman's year?

How concerned are they about Brendon Little's late season decline?

What will Luis Varland do going forward?

Continuing through the grading series, Justin and Patrick turn their attention to the starting rotation.

The guys discuss Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Bowden Francis, Eric Lauer, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer.

Outside of Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, who should the Jays sign?

Justin and Patrick pick 3 players who they think could still make an impact on the roster in 2026, and highlight the reasons why.

We hope to be back one more time before the new year, especially if Bo or Tucker sign!

Merry Christmas to all of our listeners!

The Toronto Blue Jays pulled off another unexpected signing on Friday by inking submarine arm right hander Tyler Rogers to a 3-year contract worth $37 million. The move comes on the heals of the club officially welcoming Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the franchise, and amid rumours that they are among the front runners for both Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.

Justin and Patrick look at Rogers' wacky Savant page, and discuss the factors that make him so elite at inducing weak contact.

Ahead of MLB's Winter Meetings in Orlando, the Blue Jays have made a couple of moves.

They have signed Cody Ponce, who was drafted in 2015 by the Brewers. He spent 5 years in the Brewers system before 3 years with the Pirates during which he never really figured it out. He then went to the Nipon League in Japan for 3 years before moving to Korea and earning MVP honours while striking out 252 batters.

The Jays also outrighted Yariel Rodriguez to the minors, leaving them with two open spots on the 40-man roster.

Justin and Patrick continue the offseason content with grades for the 2026 infield.

In this episode:

Vladdy

Kirk

Bichette

Heineman

Clement

Gimenez

Next up: Starting Pitchers!

Dylan Cease is a Blue Jay! He has agreed to a 7 year deal worth $210 million with the Jays pending a physical. While the team has yet to officially announce the deal, it has been confirmed by baseball's writers and insiders.

Justin and Patrick discuss the impact this deal has on the rotation, the roster, and the competitive outlook of the franchise for the next few seasons.

Three weeks have passed since the end of the World Series. Justin and Patrick return with their continued thoughts on how the season ended, and on the future.

The guys then begin a BFMD offseason tradition of grading the players.

In this episode: George Springer, Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Davis Schneider.

Next up: infield

Let the season of speculation begin!

The Toronto Blue Jays got some great and unexpected news when Shane Bieber exercised his 2026 player option to remain with the team for the coming season.

Bo Bichetter is officially a free agent...what does his next contract look like and what position will he play?

Justin and Patrick give their thoughts, discuss Carlos Delgado's Hall of Fame chances, and go over the highlights from Shapiro and Atkins' final press conference of the 2025 season.

Sending love to the Vesia family.

Justin and Patrick return after a tough World Series loss for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The guys highlight what this team and season meant to them, and to the country. They also dive into the crushing feeling of defeat that Jays fans felt and continue to feel after getting so close to winning it all.

The offseason begins with free agency opening up this weekend, and the guys will be back to discuss the big names available on the market!